Anxiety Treatment That Works

We all feel anxious at one time or another. For some people, though, the anxiety can come in an extreme form. Sometimes the anxious thoughts take over, incapacitating the person so that he is unable to do anything useful. He remains caught up in his apprehensions, with panic setting in. Sometimes, the panic attacks get so bad that the body reacts in like manner. The person starts to break out in cold sweat. Or he can get headaches of gigantic proportions. He can become dizzy, or nauseous. Pains creep in for no apparent reason at all – back pains, stomach aches, chest pains.

Sometimes, people do not see the condition as something which can be dealt with through medical and therapeutic means. We have become so used to leading stressful lives that we fail to notice when the anxiety has become so severe or so unreasonable that it already incapacitates us.

Severe or chronic anxiety disorders warrant serious interventions. Fortunately, advancements in research and technology have resulted in a broad spectrum of anxiety treatment. It goes without saying, though, that we need to consult professionals in the fields of medicine, psychiatry, psychology, and other related fields when considering these treatments.

In the medical plane, there are drugs with anti-depressant and anxiety-reducing capabilities. Drugs the likes of benzodiazepines and antidepressants are used. These are prescription meds. Their use, as well as the effects they have on the individual, has to be closely monitored by a professional. By keeping a regular close watch on the individual, you can avoid adverse effects.

Another possible intervention is psychotherapy, the treatment of the anxiety disorders and its related bodily ills by psychological means. A professional trained in mental health sits with the patient in several counseling sessions so that the patient gets to understand what it is he is going through and eventually becomes able to cope with it.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy is still another option. Again, with the help of a professional, the patient learns to identify and consciously alter the way he thinks, feels, and behaves. He is thus able to manage and control the anxiety feelings which upset him and disrupt his daily functioning.

Research indicates that a blend of these treatments is better than just taking drugs. A “cured” patient is also less likely to suffer a relapse, even when he stops taking his meds. This is probably because, armed with a keen awareness of the anxiety process, he is better able to stay in control.

Some people have anxiety feelings to a much lesser degree, a much milder form than that requiring professional intervention. This type of condition can be addressed with what can be referred to as basic “home remedies.” Some of these simple do-it-yourself anxiety treatments are as follows:

• Eat the right food. There is what is known as a mental health-friendly diet. Fresh fruits and vegetable are first on this list of food. Avoid food that triggers an adrenalin rush – food that makes you unable to stay calm and relaxed. Caffeine, alcohol, sugar, and some spices belong to this list.

• Drink clear, healthy water. Choose water instead of colas or juice drinks which are loaded with artificial flavorings and sugar.

• Choose an active lifestyle. Choose a sport that you can be passionate about. Engage your family or friends in it to up the likelihood that you will spend time on it.

• Get enough sleep. Sleep recharges you and helps you maintain your mental equilibrium. Make sure that you get from between seven to eight hours of sleep every night.

• Take control of habits which, after a short temporary high, make you feel exhausted, out-of-sorts, irritable, and weary. Smoking, drinking, and taking uppers are among these.